What image comes to mind when I say the word “sheep”:  pastoral scenes of fluffy lambs frolicking in green fields on a sunny day? Colorful pictures in a children’s bible? Or it might conjure up a picture of dirty, smelly animals that are stubborn and easily led. 

I did some research on the behavioral characteristics of sheep and made some interesting discoveries:   

  1. Sheep are social animals known for their ‘flocking’ behavior, preferring to stay in groups. They are known for their gregarious social instinct which allows them to bond closely with other members of their flock. 
  2. They are hierarchical with different members of the flock playing different roles.
  3. They are gentle animals, even-tempered and intelligent with good memories.
  4. They have monocular vision that enables them to see almost 360 degrees around themselves and hooves that enable them to flee from danger.
  5. They won’t approach animals, people, or objects they are unsure about.
  6. Left to their own devices, sheep will graze in one place until the grass is totally depleted

 In short, they have many characteristics in common with human beings in general and perhaps with the church in particular, so it’s not surprising that this metaphor is found in both the old and new testaments, and in a particular way in today’s Gospel.  

Today’s Gospel shifts from the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to the nature of God’s work in the world. John uses a metaphor to talk about Jesus- the shepherd, setting up a contrast between the good shepherd and the hired hand. Specific to this metaphor and for us, is that the sheep need the shelter of the flock and the protection of the shepherd. This Gospel is a perfect complement to Psalm 23 in which God provides the sheep with everything that they need. It’s no coincidence that Psalm 23 is so well loved and known by heart by many of us. 

When Jesus says that he is the Good Shepherd, he is making a radical statement.  

First, the use of “I am” is a way of saying that Jesus meshes his mission with God’s purpose and work in creation. This alludes to the God encountered by Moses who also self-named as “I am”.  Jesus makes it clear that he is God’s servant and is obedient to God’s word. 

Second, when Jesus says he is the Good shepherd, he uses a word that means many things. “Good: (kalos) implies that which is ordered, sound, noble, ideal, true, competent, faithful, and praiseworthy. In Ezekiel 34: 10-16, God assumes the duties of a shepherd – the one who leads, guides, feeds, protects and seeks the lost sheep. Jesus is not a run of the mill shepherd: he embodies strength, power, sympathy, kindness, and mercy.  By his declaration, Jesus takes up God’s mission and redemptive work in the world. 

Third, the Good Shepherd does not merely care for the sheep, but most importantly, gathers the flock. In John’s understanding, those who see, hear, and believe in Jesus, belong to the community and this means everyone: the door is open wide to the outcasts and marginalized of the day: sinners, lepers, women, Samaritans, tax collectors, etc. Jesus is concerned for the individual welfare of each sheep, each of whom he knows by name, and for the communal destiny of the flock. 

Fourth, Jesus refers to those of other flocks who will also hear his voice: that ultimately there will be one flock. This does not mean that everyone will be Anglican or even Christian.

I have spoken previously of the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, that all exist in fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. As we live through this liminal time, it is understandable that we are somewhat preoccupied with our community here at St. Matthias, but the whole church is in a time of great change and ultimately may die in order to be reborn in a new way.

We don’t have to be concerned about this: this is God’s work, not ours.  Our task is to be faithful and that means to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd and respond to that voice. And the voice tells us that all belong, all have a place, a voice and a purpose. No-one is excluded in God’s great plan. People of every color, creed, race, and gender are all part of the flock, part of the Body of Christ. No exceptions. A part of our growing, part of our following means giving up old ideas that are limiting or that exclude others in any way at all, and being willing to embrace new ways of being church as we explore possibilities together and listen together to the voice of the Good Shepherd. 

Amen

 

 

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